I couldn't find the pants I wanted, so I settled on a pair of tight black jeans in the end; I slipped them on, ran a brush through my hair, put some red lipstick on, and then emerged. My only thought was to make sure you approved of my outfit, though I doubted you'd notice.

"Uh, sorry I left you," I said, walking over and sitting onto the love seat. Out of habit, I drew my feet up and then laughed when I realized you had done the same. My eyes swept over you and I admired your beauty silently, as I offered, "If you're thirsty or hungry I could make something."

As I wrapped my arms in front of my, sort of hugging myself, I realized that this would be the first time you had ever seen me not wearing a huge hoodie that huge over my body, hiding my figure. My thoughts trailed in that direction.

"Oh no, it's fine..." I reassure you quietly, my gaze traveling around the small but cosy living space. Following suit, i carefully eased my feet out of my shoes and placed them neatly to the side. I nod lightly as you excuse yourself, slipping my bag from my shoulder and setting it down next to my shoes.

At a bit of a loss, i wandered into the living room area and dropped myself down upon the couch, curling a leg up beneath me. My fingertips tapped lightly against my thigh as i shifted anxiously. What were we going to talk about? What if you didn't like me once you got to know me?

And that in itself got me thinking. After all the occassions where i'd stood in silence as others caused you pain, you still wanted to talk to me. I didn't deserve all the chances you were giving me. Moistening my lips, i ran my fingers through my air as i glanced toward your bedroom door.

My shoes were kicked off into a side closet, near the door, as I looked around and said, "Sorry about the mess. I haven't cleaned in a couple of days." Nothing was disorganized or looked dirty, but I still wish I had though ahead and vacuumed the living room. I turned and looked at you, my hands clutched behind my back.

We were in the small area that was closed off from the rest of the apartment by the closet. Stepping out, would put us in the living room, which had a three seat couch against one wall and then a love seat at a right angle from it. The TV was against the counter that led to the kitchen. There was a door in the kitchen, that lead to my pap's room and in the living room there was two doors, one to my room and another to the bathroom. It was small, but fitting.

"I hope you don't mind, but I usually change after school," I said, heading towards my bed room. I looked over my shoulder and said, "Make yourself comfortable and I'll be right back."

Once the door was closed behind me, I pulled off my hoodie and undershirt, which today had just been a plain, white tank top. I tossed them onto the bed and rushed over to my dresser, pulling out the second drawer and going through it until I found a dressy shirt, with sleeves that pillowed out and a pattern on the bodice. It was a vibrant red that I loved. Next I started searching for a change of pants, moving fast so you wouldn't have to wait.

As you turned and began to lead the way, i glanced back over my shoulder. I knew no one would be following, but it didn't stop me checking. Your comment swiftly returned my gaze to you, and a slight smile spread slowly across my lips while my mind raced. That was the second time you had said something along those lines. Did you know? Did you know how i felt for you?

I tilted my head back to look up at the tall apartment complex. Your warning of your crazy neighbours drew the reaction you had been looking for. I couldn't help but laugh, what with your exaggerated facial expression and the comical presentation had me grinning all the way up the stairs.

As the front door clicked shut behind us, I felt an overwhelming sense of happiness. For once we were alone, for once no one was watching us and for once i wasn't afraid of what people thought. The only person who mattered was standing right in front of me.

"Sure. It's this way," I said, as I walked past her street. I walked beside her, well just a little ahead, to hide my blush. I tilted my head back once my blush was under control and teased her, "With you being so nice, I might fall for you." In my mind a added, 'even worse.'

When we reached my apartment complex, I breathed a sigh of relief as I saw my dad's car was gone. My pap was the best, but...he was different. I mean, when I came out, he looked at me and said that for my 21st b-day he'd take me to a strip bar.

That was forced out of my mind though and I said to Jess, "We're on the second story, so shh. The neighbors we're over are crazy and will yell if they hear us on the stairs." I made an exaggerated face, hoping to make her laugh.

[[Hehe that's ok, i was actually about to ask what it was in this post.]]

"Bobbi..." I noticed the pain on you face, unable to mask the concern that rushed to the surface. What had hurt you? My gaze swept over you - why is it that i felt so protective of you when no one was around? It was easy, that was the reason, there was no one to judge me and it required little on my part. "...no listen, I'd like to come round alright? I would."

I smiled, properly smiled at you as my eyes met your gaze, reassuring you that i did actually want to spend time with you. "So, you going to show me where you live or what?" A wink sent in your direction was hoped to break the tension i suddenly i felt.

When your hand landed on my arm...did you feel my heart leap? It leap for you. That's what I thought, ever the poet. At the hesitation in your voice though, my heart sank. I shifted my bag on my shoulder and said, "Oh, if you don't want to, I mean it's not like you have too if you have homework."

I tried to keep smiling, like it didn't matter, like the state of my heart wasn't dependent upon your answer, but like all the other times that it mattered, my facade wavered, even just for a moment and I felt uncertain as to whether my hope showed through or not. I mirrored her earlier gesture, moving my short hair back, tucking it behind an ear. My finger caught on the back of my new piercing and I hissed quietly from pain, wincing in embarrassment and pain.

((I realized I never mentioned my character's name. Sorry about that. It's Bobbi))

So you didn't mean what you had said earlier, or at least that's what you said. I wasn't sure if i felt disappointed or relieved, and so joined your laughter with a faint chuckle of my own. Nervous laughter. I raised a hand to sweep back the long strands of hair which had fallen to shield my face.

I could see the corner of the street where i would be forced to say my goodbyes, but my line vision was suddenly blocked by you as you stepped in front of me. My hand reaches out to catch your upper arm as i almost collide straight into you, coming to a rather unsteady stop. I quickly withdrew my hand, fixing my gaze to your face and trying to ignore the fact a tremor had swept through me at the physical contact.

"Uh, well....i guess i could come round to your's for a bit." I definately didn't want to invite you home, i could only imagine what my father would say and i knew that he would be home by now. Shrugging my shoulders lightly, i shifted the strap of my rucksack again, my gaze traveling off down the street before returning to your face.

"But I want to thank you," I replied and pleasure flooded me as you smiled at me even though it was halfhearted. Even so, my own smile grew and I felt my eyes light up. It was a weird feeling, being so happy, at least for me and I didn't even know what you were thinking, or if you were planning on walking as soon as you could.

When you looked down, I felt like I had done something wrong and I said cheerfully, "Yeah, about that...I would like to say I don't flip out like that normal, and I don't." I tried to laugh it off, but my mind was ticking away the seconds and footfalls until we would part ways, not to see each other again until school. It saddened me, because that was the one place that we could never get along. We weren't allowed.

We were so close to parting ways, I couldn't help it as I spun in front of you and said playfully, with a smirk, "I'm going out on a limb here, but would you like to come to my place and hang or invite me home? I have nothing to do and would love to talk to you a bit more."

I would have kept walking had i not recognised your voice. Pausing, i turned slightly to look back at you, watching as you hurried to my side before i started to walk again. That smile, i didn’t deserve such a smile. Why were you even talking to me? I shifted the strap of my rucksack upon my shoulder, listening in helpless silence as you apologise for shouting at me.

“Don’t thank me, i didn’t do anything.” I mutter quietly, unable to bring myself to even look at you. It shouldn’t have been you who was saying sorry. I was the coward, i was the one who should be apologising and yet, as horrible as it was, i knew the i would do it again. Finally i managed to glance sideways at you, offering a weak smile in return of your own.

“What you said...earlier..” Turning my head away again, i fixed my gaze upon the path beneath our feet. We had five minutes or so left until we were to part ways, and there was so much still left to say.

I must have been crazy or something, because I had actually gone back to school and managed to have a not completely horrible day. I mean, for me, it was a passive, intellectual day. Why had I returned? That was teh truly crazies part: I have found a four leaf clover and decided that I wasn't going to be pushed around when I had a bit of luck behind me.

As the last bell rang, I reflected over the day and debated on how much luck the clover had had and how much I had used up with my trivial pursuits. I wasn't certain, but never before had I been as hopeful as I was then, waiting for you to leave you friends and following behind. They wouldn't notice. We lived in similar direction until you reached your road and then I walked on, alone to him. Once none of our classmates where in ear shot, I called out, "Hey Jess!"

To my surprise you actually stopped and I trotted to your side. With a real, heart felt smile, I said, "Look, I'm sorry about flipping out. I was having a bad morning. Thank for trying to help. It's more than a lot of people can claim." I have to swallow back my nervousness and I can barely keep my eyes on yours. Part of me is certain my luck has run out and I will be rejected, but another says that you can't fly without stumbling first.

My steps faltered as you screamed after me, my breath catching in my chest as i stared on up the stairs. Slowly i turned to find you standing at the bottom of the steps and looking up at me. Lips parted but i couldn't bring myself to speak; i wanted to say something, to react in disgust or return the sentiment. But i couldn't utter a word, all i could do was stand and stare as you took off running down the corridor, tears glistening in your eyes.

Long after you disappear from sight i remain where i stand, torn between following you or carrying on to class. But really the decision was simple and as i turned and continued on up the stairs, i shook my head. What would i have done if i had followed? Admit that i loved you in return, that all i thought about was being with you.

Muttering an apology for being late, i slumped into my chair and fixed my gaze upon the view that was framed by the window. My friends spoke around me but not to me, i wasn't paying attention and the minutes seemed to drag by painfully slow. By the time the school day was over i was thoroughly depressed; the shallow chatter of my friends didn't seem so entertaining, the plans for this evening were utterly unexciting.

The final bell rang loudly and i allowed the noisey rabble of excited school mates carry me out into the fresh air. My gaze swept the benches, perhaps hoping to see you - though again what would i say and what would everyone else think. Muttering an excuse about homework, i slung my bag onto my back and started off down the street, glad to be free of the useless conversation and alone with my own thoughts.